Today in the history of the American comic strip: March 17

American cartoonists and writers may not have invented the comic strip, but some argue that the comics, as we know them today, are an American creation. Clearly, the United States has played an outsize role in the development of this underappreciated art form. 

3.17.1930: Jerry Terry introduces Scorchy Smith, an adventure strip starring a pilot for hire. The comic ran for more than 30 years.

3.17.1956: Patrick McDonnell, the creator of Mutts, is born in Edison, New Jersey. He was named 1999 Outstanding Cartoonist of the Year by the National Cartoonists Society.

3.17.1968: Mort Walker’s Boner’s Ark adds a Sunday strip to its daily lineup. Launched in 1968, the comic survived until 2000.

3.17.1974: Dateline: Danger! is cancelled after six years in print. Created by writer John Saunders and artist Al McWilliams, the feature starred two intelligence agents working undercover.

3.17.1985: Greg Evans introduces Luann. The strip, which is mostly about young adult Luann DeGroot, is notable because the characters age over time. 

3.17.2019: Kenneth Bald, known in newspaper circles for his Dr. Kildare and Dark Shadows strips, dies at 98.

Mutts

Most of the information listed here from one day to the next comes from two online sites -- Wikipedia, and Don Markstein's Toonopedia -- as well as 100 Years of American Newspaper Comics, edited by Maurice Horn. Note that my focus is on American newspaper comic strips (and the occasional foreign strip that gained popularity in the United States). Thus, comic books and exclusively online comics are not included here.